Electronic storage cartridge
AssigneeProStor Systems, Inc.
InventorSteven P. Georgis
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
According to the invention, an electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to a computing system is disclosed. The electronic data storage cartridge includes a cartridge body, a connector, an optical waveguide, a hard disk drive, and a mechanical write-protect switch that prevents modification of information on the hard disk drive when active. The cartridge body includes at least two outer surfaces. The connector can be used for removable coupling to the computing system, where the connector couples information outside the cartridge body. The optical waveguide is configured to couple light between the two outer surfaces. The hard drive is coupled to the connector.
Claims32
An electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to a computing system, the storage cartridge comprising:
- a cartridge body, wherein the cartridge body includes at least two outer surfaces;
- a connector for removable coupling to the computing system, wherein the connector couples information outside the cartridge body;
- an optical waveguide configured to couple light between the two outer surfaces;
- a hard disk drive coupled to the connector;
- and
- a write-protect switch, which is a mechanical switch on the cartridge body that prevents modification of information on the hard disk drive when active.
A method of providing removable data storage for a computing system, the method comprising:
- providing an electronic data storage cartridge, the electronic data storage cartridge comprising a cartridge body that includes at least two outer surfaces, an optical waveguide configured to couple light between the two outer surfaces, a hard disk drive coupled to a connector wherein the connector is configured to couple information to the computing system, and a mechanical write-protect switch on the cartridge body;
- providing the write-protect switch configured to allow
- determination of a position of the write-protect switch and prevention of modification of information on the hard disk drive when the write-protect switch is in an active position;
- receiving light at one outer surface from an optical indicator in the computing system;
- and
- coupling the light to the other outer surface to visibly signal that the electronic data storage cartridge is write-protected.
A system for processing and removably storing information, the system comprising:
- a computing system;
- an electronic data storage cartridge comprising a cartridge body that includes at least two outer surfaces, an optical waveguide configured to couple light between the two outer surfaces, a hard disk drive coupled to a connector wherein the connector is configured to couple information to the computing system, and a mechanical write-protect switch on the cartridge body;
- a bay in the computing system configured to receive the electronic data storage cartridge;
- and
- an optical indicator in the bay;
- wherein when the when the write-protect switch is in an active position and the cartridge is inserted into the bay, light from the optical indicator is received into the optical waveguide at one outer surface of the electronic data storage cartridge and coupled to the other outer surface to visibly signal that the electronic data storage cartridge is write-protected.
An electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to a computing system, the storage cartridge comprising:
- a cartridge body, wherein the cartridge body includes an outer surface;
- a connector for removable coupling to the computing system, wherein the connector couples information outside the cartridge body;
- an optical waveguide configured to couple light from outside the outer surface to an inside of the cartridge body;
- a storage medium coupled to the connector;
- and
- a mechanical write-protect switch, which is a mechanical switch on the cartridge body that prevents modification of information on the storage medium when active.
An electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to a computing system, the storage cartridge comprising:
- a cartridge body, wherein the cartridge body includes an outer surface;
- a connector for removable coupling to the computing system, wherein the connector couples information outside the cartridge body;
- an optical waveguide configured to couple light from an emitter to a visible indicator on the outer surface of the cartridge body;
- a storage medium coupled to the connector;
- and
- a mechanical write-protect switch, which is a mechanical switch on the cartridge body that prevents modification of information on the storage medium when active.
An electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to a computing system, the storage cartridge comprising:
- a cartridge body, wherein the cartridge body includes an outer surface;
- a connector for removable coupling to the computing system, wherein the connector couples information outside the cartridge body;
- an optical waveguide configured to couple light from an emitter to a visible indicator on the outer surface of the cartridge body;
- a storage medium coupled to the connector;
- and
- a display that shows information about the electronic data storage cartridge.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.